A SCHOOL friend of murdered Coventry woman Lindsay Ann Hawker is hosting a gala evening at the Ricoh Arena to raise funds for the family’s fight for justice.

Laura Thomson, who went to King Henry VIII School with Lindsay, is planning a three-course meal with an auction, raffle and entertainment on March 14 and is appealing to the people of Coventry for help.

The 23-year-old from Cannon Park, has already received a donation from Coventry City vice-chairman Gary Hoffman and club director Joe Elliott, who will be providing the venue for free. Businesses have donated auction prizes, which include a spa day at the Brandon Hall Hotel and a meal for two at Rick Stein’s Padstow restaurant, but more are needed.

Learning mentor Laura said: “The money will go towards the Hawker family and their fight for justice. It is coming up to the second year anniversary of Lindsay’s death.

“When I heard that Lindsay had been murdered I made the assumption that her killer would be caught in hours, days or even weeks.

But nearly two years on that hasn’t happened and the Hawkers have already paid for 12 flights to and from Japan.”

Miss Hawker, 22, who grew up in the Binley Road area of Coventry and went to Ernesford Grange Junior School and King Henry VIII School, was found suffocated in Japan in March last year.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the gala is asked to e-mail Laura at eventforlindsayhawker@hotmail.com or visit the website www.lindsayannhawker.com.